A Novel Strategy for Converting Conventional Structures into Net-Zero-Energy Buildings without Destruction

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

The paper is well organized and  the research design, questions, hypotheses and methods clearly stated

Author Response

Thank you for your comment

Reviewer 2 Report

The aim of this study is to make the building consume less energy by upgrading the fittings of the building. The study was upgraded by installing new Windows, incorporating greenery on the walls and roof, implementing insulation and integrating solar panels. It turns out that installing solar panels on the walls and backs of buildings could generate five to eight times as much electricity per month as the building consumes. By replacing the heating system with a solar collector, the spa can be heated daily. The implementation of sustainable building practices significantly reduces energy consumption. Specifically, the use of electricity, natural gas, heating and cooling decreased by 75%, 89%, 93% and 38%, respectively. However, the following modifications shall be made:

1.      Some references have been more than 5 years, even more than 10 years. It is worth considering whether they are still referential.

2.      Lines 47-48, what kind of mode, please explain.

3.      Lines 214-215, three-layer window is selected, and the difference between simulation and practical application is not considered. In the simulation, the article should strengthen the connection with the actual situation while controlling the variables.

4.      274-275 lines, the two methods listed lack of references.

Author Response

Thank you for your valuable comments. Please find the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 3 Report

Although a good analysis is presented, the novelty in materials or decentralized energy generation is missing.

Authors need to work a bit on novelty. 

Minor typo corrections and units for the 

Author Response

Thank you for your valuable comments. Please find the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 4 Report

Please see the attached file

Comments for author File: Comments.pdf

No

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 5 Report

The manuscript is attractive an contains valuable information and data; however, it needs some modification to be acceptable for publication.

1. The number of keywords is not proper. It is suggested to use more keywords.

2. It is suggested to concatenate short paragraphs of introduction section. 4 or 5 paragraphs are adequate for this section.

3. Importance, novelties and applications of the study must be clearly indicated in the last paragraph of introduction section.

4. If the study is general or applicable for a particular case study (region). If it belongs to a case study, it must be introduced with some details.

5. How the data in figure 4 are obtained. If it is calculated or obtained from other sources?

6. It would be better to indicate reasons behind the selection of the scenarios.

7. Conclusion section is too long. It is better to just reflect the most important findings.

8. Following references are suggested to improve literature review:

"Modeling Heat and Power Generation for Green Buildings based on Solid Oxide Fuel Cells and Renewable Fuels (Biogas)" https://doi.org/10.22044/rera.2020.8985.1010

"An updated review on integration of solar photovoltaic modules and heat pumps towards decarbonization of buildings" https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esd.2022.12.018

It is better to ask a native to check it.

Author Response

Thank you for your valuable comments. Please find the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Round 2

Reviewer 4 Report

There are no further comments from my part